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Mount Niushou

Mount Niushou, located in Jiangning District of Nanjing, is a cultural mountain renowned for its unique natural landscapes and profound Buddhist heritage. The mountain earned its name from its twin peaks resembling a bull's horns, and is also known as "Bull's Head Mountain" in local folklore.

Overview

Mount Niushou holds significant importance in Chinese Buddhism. From the Southern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty, it housed over 30 temples. During the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, when Buddhism flourished, Mount Niushou was recognized alongside Mount Qingliang and Mount Emei as sacred Buddhist sites. It gained further prominence as one of the three major Buddhist centers during the Tang Dynasty. The mountain is particularly famous as the birthplace of the Niutou (Ox Head) School of Chan Buddhism, established by Master Farong.

In 2010, the mountain's spiritual significance was elevated when it received Buddha's skull bone relic, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Today, Mount Niushou Cultural Tourism Area showcases rich Buddhist cultural heritage centered around this precious relic.

Mount Niushou Buddha Palace and its reflection in the water

Main Attractions

Buddha Palace

The Buddha Palace is the crown jewel of Mount Niushou. Built on an abandoned quarry on the western peak, this architectural marvel spans 105,000 square meters with a built area of 136,000 square meters. The palace's design brilliantly combines traditional and modern elements:

  • The main dome resembles Buddha's kasaya (robe) gracefully draped over the smaller dome
  • The lower structure features a lotus throne design supporting a mani pearl
  • The interior houses the Grand View of Chan, featuring:
    • The Lotus Theater with a 7.5-meter rotating copper Buddha statue
    • Zen gardens depicting Buddha's birth and enlightenment
    • A sophisticated lighting system mimicking natural daylight cycles
Top view of Mount Niushou Buddha Palace

The underground palace, housing Buddha's skull bone relic, features:

  • The Grand Hall of Sarira with a 21.8-meter bronze stupa
  • Exquisite decorations using the "Seven Treasures" of Buddhism
  • Four white jade Buddha statues, each carved from a 25-ton jade block
Reclining Buddha at Mount Niushou Buddha Palace

Buddha Top Pagoda

Standing 88 meters tall, this nine-story pagoda serves as a landmark of Mount Niushou. Its design draws inspiration from the Ming Dynasty Hongjue Temple Pagoda, featuring:

  • Traditional Tang Dynasty architectural style
  • A statue of Vairocana Buddha
  • Buddhist scriptures collection
  • Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape

Buddha Top Temple

Originally dating back to the Southern Dynasties, the temple was rebuilt in 2012 and completed in 2015. Key features include:

  • Seven main halls arranged along a central axis
  • Traditional Tang Dynasty architectural style
  • Living quarters and dining halls for monks
  • Regular Buddhist ceremonies and events
Exquisite Buddhist artifacts at Mount Niushou Buddha Palace

Other Notable Sites

  • Hidden Dragon Lake: A serene lake at the mountain's foot
  • Chan Forest Path: A 3.7km ecological trail
  • Ox Head Chan Cultural Park: Historical site with ancient relics
  • Yue Fei's Fortification: Historical military remains
  • Zheng He Cultural Park: Commemorating the famous navigator
Buddhist wall art at Mount Niushou Buddha Palace

Practical Information

Admission

  • Adult ticket: ¥160
  • Opening hours: 08:30-17:30 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Special summer hours (June 21 - August 20): 08:30-19:30 (last entry at 18:00)

Getting There

By Public Transport:

  1. Metro Line 1 to Tianlong Temple Station, Exit 2, then:

    • Bus 712 to Mount Niushou Scenic Area (11 stops)
    • 500m walk to the entrance

  2. Metro Line S1 to Hehai University Station, Exit 1, then:

    • Bus 754 to Mount Niushou Scenic Area East (6 stops)
    • 500m walk to the entrance

Direct buses: G70, 712, 755 to Mount Niushou Scenic Area

Recommended Routes

Half-day Visit:

  1. Buddha Palace
  2. Buddha Top Pagoda
  3. Buddha Top Temple

Full-day Visit:

  1. Buddha Palace (2-3 hours)
  2. Buddha Top Pagoda (1-1.5 hours)
  3. Buddha Top Temple (1 hour)
  4. Hidden Dragon Lake (1 hour)
  5. Chan Forest Path (1 hour)

Tips

  1. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the scenic area is extensive
  2. Visit early morning to avoid crowds, especially during holidays
  3. Bring water and snacks as food options are limited on the mountain
  4. Respect Buddhist customs and maintain silence in temple areas
  5. Photography is allowed in most areas except the relic hall
  6. Consider weather conditions when planning your visit
  7. Book tickets online for discounts